Ten new electric buses are expected to hit the streets of Leicester thanks to a partnership between the city council and bus operators.
The move by the Leicester Buses One Network Partnership will see the vehicles added to council-supported services delivered by Centrebus.
Backed by roughly £4m of Government funding, the purchase assists Leicester’s aims of becoming one of the biggest electric bus networks in the UK.
According to Leicester Buses, the partnership’s network will consist of an estimated 200 electric buses by the end of this year, with 50 more being added by March 2027, and another 15 becoming operational by late 2027.
While the fleet currently contains 24 electric buses, the expansion is designed to support ‘quieter and more sustainable journeys’ for passengers, as well as boosting Leicester’s environmental targets by ensuring lower emissions.
The new Pelican-supplied vehicles will also be more modern and accessible, helping Leicester achieve its goal of increasing the number of people who travel by bus.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, Assistant City Mayor (Environment & Transport) said: ‘This latest investment is another significant step towards delivering one of the cleanest and most modern bus networks in the country.
‘Every new electric bus improves air quality, reduces carbon emissions and provides a quieter, more comfortable journey for passengers. Together with our operator partners, we’re creating a simpler, greener network that encourages more people to choose the bus.’
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Photo: © Leicester Buses.
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